What Is Ketamine?
Ketamine was first synthesized in 1962. It is a mainstay medication in emergency rooms, operating rooms, and ambulances, as well as on the battlefield and in developing countries, for treating pain and providing sedation. For over 20 years psychiatrists and medical doctors have been using Ketamine to provide relief for patients with depression, PTSD, anxiety, postpartum depression, OCD, and chronic pain. Read more about the actions ketamine has on the brain and body below
Most antidepressants act by increasing certain levels of neurotransmitters (Serotonin, Norepinephrine, and Dopamine). Ketamine works differently; when Ketamine is given, it binds to a receptor in the brain called the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor. When Ketamine binds to this receptor it temporarily blocks the action of a neurotransmitter called Glutamate. A large number of clinical studies suggest dysfunction of the glutamatergic system is one of the primary issues in mood disorders.
Certain doses of ketamine are known to increase the expression of “brain-derived neurotrophic factor” (BDNF). BDNF is a protein that encourages the growth of new neurons and synapses. Chronic stress, chronic pain, depression, anxiety, inflammation, and PTSD can damage the brain over time. Increasing BDNF is crucial to repair what has been damaged. Increasing the expression of BDNF is how Ketamine helps to “re-wire” the brain, which is the primary aim of the Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy Therapy process.
